France Deploys 70,000 Police and Mobilizes Army to Prevent Riot Recurrence

French authorities have mobilized their security forces, enlisted the army, and taken a series of judicial and security measures in an attempt to avoid a recurrence of "Black Saturday," coinciding with new calls for demonstrations in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and other large and small cities.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced a security plan involving the deployment of at least 70,000 police and gendarmes, supported by elite unit teams that do not usually intervene to maintain street security or confront protesters. Military units previously deployed during the terrorist attacks France experienced in 2015 and 2016 will also be utilized.

Hours after President Emmanuel Macron announced a ban on "demonstrations in the coming days," the Paris Police Prefecture allowed one march organized by the "Confédération des Travailleurs" union, which is close to the Communist Party.

Meanwhile, permits were denied for protests requested by groups from the "Yellow Vests" movement and students. The ban also extended to the cities of Marseille and Lyon, as well as many other cities.